The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce presents the Winter Wonderland event in Winamac this Saturday.
Additional Appropriation for Trial Expenses Approved for Advertisement
Court hearings and procedures leading up to a potential a murder trial in Pulaski County has forced the judge to ask for more resources to fund the proceedings prior to the trial date.
Pulaski Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn asked the Pulaski County Council this week for an additional appropriation for $25,000 for examination of prisoners.
Paul Katschke is accused of murdering his live-in girlfriend, 34-year-old Amber Rene Taylor, in their Denham home in August of last year. Katschke has undergone court-ordered mental competency evaluations. Judge Shurn said there were $12,000 to $13,000 in outstanding bills that need to be paid.
16-Year Sentence Given to Child Molestation Suspect in Pulaski Circuit Court
A 16-year sentence was handed down to a man in Pulaski Circuit Court after pleading guilty in a plea agreement with the state to two amended charges of Child Molesting, as a Class C Felony.
Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn sentenced Michael Mendez to eight years on both counts and those sentences will be served consecutively. He was credited with 266 days of time served.
Mendez will also serve eight years on probation following his release from the Indiana Department of Corrections. He will be bound to the terms of probation which include the Indiana Recommended Special Probation Conditions for Adult Sex Offenders and he will register as a sex offender. A no contact order with the victim remains in place throughout his probation. All other terms of standard probation rules apply.
Swearing In Ceremony for Elected Officials Held in Pulaski County
In a joint swearing ceremony, all candidates elected in the General Election in Pulaski County were sworn in by Circuit Court Judge, Michael Shurn, and Superior Court Judge, Patrick Blankenship.
One of those sworn into office was Tracey Shorter who will be the newest member of the Board of Commissioners on January 1st.
Besides being the first woman Commissioner in Pulaski County, she is also the youngest at age 42. Ted asked what prompted her to seek the office.
“I ran four years ago and the race was so close,” said Shorter. “Part of it was because there had never been a woman Commissioner and it became a goal of mine. I got sick and realized life is too short to wait so I ran. None of us knows what tomorrow holds. I’m excited. I think it shows a big win for the party but it also shows progress for our County as far as moving forward. I haven’t really done the background but I think not only am I the first woman, but I think I’m the youngest.”
Like all counties, Pulaski has its share of pressing issues that will need to be addressed in 2011.
“Zoning is a big issue, whether or not we keep the County Home open, keeping our budget balanced and not borrowing what we don’t have. All of those things are huge,” said Shorter.
The following were sworn into office: Ron Powers, Pulaski County Council District 3; Tasha Foerg, Pulaski County Clerk; Tom Roth, Pulaski County Council District 2; Stacey Mrak, Pulaski County Prosecutor; Michael “Mick” Tiede, Pulaski County Council District 4; Alex Haschel Pulaski County Council District 1; Joyce Weaver, Pulaski County Surveyor; Steve Van Der Aa, Pulaski County Coroner; Holly Van Der Aa, Pulaski County Assessor; Michael Gayer, Pulaski County Sheriff; and Tracey Shorter, County Commissioner District 3.
